Maybe we're right. Maybe we're wrong. All I know is that most people don't spend this kind of money if they didn't at least have league bowling in mind.
Earlier today, a video teaser found its way to Facebook showing a brand new oil machine going down the lanes at Herrill Lanes/ Bowl 360 New Hyde Park. This new machine, known as the Kegel Flex Walker, is the latest and greatest in technological advances for oil machines, coming in at a hefty price of $45K, not including delivery and installation. This machine has capabilities no other previous iteration has had, including the ability to use more than one conditioner or mixing conditioners all in one pass. And with Danny Mohabir, the new owner of Bowl 360 New Hyde Park, basically assuring current league bowlers that he has every intention on maintaining league bowling Monday - Thursday nights in the future, it begs the question - Why would he invest in such a machine if he at least didn't have league bowlers in mind?
Please allow me to opine here for a moment. Everyone understands the history of Mohabir with Bowl360 centers, but this is a center located in an area where league bowling thrives. This is not Astoria. This is not Ozone Park. On Long Island, we've all seen other "family entertainment centers" go out of business, such as Strike. The demographic is different. Danny is a businessman. He understands this. We have to remember that while he is trying to turn a profit, he's also been in the bowling industry for many years. He's a bowler at heart.
If he was only going to cater to open bowlers, why spend $45K+ on a brand new oil machine? Open bowlers generally don't care about oil patterns, league bowlers do. This type of machine is primarily designed with league bowlers in mind, and I'd have to think Mohabir knows this.
So before we jump the gun (myself included), let's give it some time. Let's not all jump down his back. Let's see if he delivers on his promises. All I know is, from my standpoint, this has to be a step in the right direction . . . right?!?
The Kegel website has this to add about the new technology:
QuoteWhat if you use Fire or Ice lane conditioner for your house pattern, but your bowlers want to practice on Current for an upcoming tournament?
What if you want to use a high performance lane conditioner like Current for your competitive bowlers, but would like to switch to a conditioner like Prodigy for open play?
With the FLEX you can easily customize the bowling experience for your customers. Welcome to the FLEX Generation.
And here are some of the features of the new machine:
QuoteFLEX FEATURES
Special Features
Easy sliding detachable lid assembly
FLEX Conditioning System
Two conditioner pumps
Two conditioner cartridges
Enhances the smoothness of the pattern
Residual oil burns out quickly for easy pattern changes
Two pre-filled or refillable conditioner cartridges allows
for separate conditioner on forward and reverse passAbility to alternate two compatible lane conditioners in one pass
Per load adjustable microliter streams per for more control within each pattern
FLEX Cleaning System
Quick-change squeegee assembly allows you to easily change the blades in a fraction of the time
Change the cleaning solution output percentage from inside the oil pattern to the back-ends for each pattern or for all
Proven Sprayless Cleaning System
Easily monitor and adjust cleaner output as desired
FLEX Drive System
Dual Drive System for better tracking
Patented six drive speeds for best taper control
Independent adjustable cleaning speeds
LED arrow for better operator positioning
FLEX Touchscreen and PLC
Full color 7” touchscreen
Three program choices for both AM and PM
Stores 30 programs on board
Test input/output menu option
FLEX Batteries
Single lightweight battery
External battery charger
Two battery options based on number of lanes
conditioned per dayFLEX WALKER Features
Zero Turn Radius lane-to-lane walking function
Auto-aligning lane whiskers
Smart processor auto-align memory option
Object detection
Automatic burn pair
Here's a video of the new machine in action:
